We are in the peak of the cold and flu season, and all my life I have been told laughter is the best medicine. So folks should be in luck Saturday night, as there will be more than just a few laughs at the Russellville Athletic Department’s first Russ-Vegas.

What exactly is Russ-Vegas? I’m glad you asked. I’ve been asking that question ever since I got the word form Russellville Athletic Director Johnny Johnson that the district’s coaches will perform inside the Center for the Arts on the RHS campus.

Performing? Yeah right, but when the boss said we will have a show, then the show must go on!

Karaoke involves singing, and singing is something I reserve for the cab of my truck, the shower or the bass boat. Don’t laugh, my version of “Where oh where are you tonight,” has brought many a largemouth bass from the depths, but in front of a crowd of people is a whole different game.

Luckily for me, I’ve become part of a group act and will have lots of good help in getting through the night. It’s quite amazing the creativity of the folks that I work with each year. Aside from being tremendous individuals who spend lots of hours molding our community’s kids into good citizens and athletes, many of these folks are genuinely talented and have come up with some excellent acts.

The buzz at school has been unbelievable, as word has spread to all the students. If that’s any indication, the Center for the Arts could see a sell out for Saturday night. Personally I’m thinking snow would be nice, but please don’t tell the boss I said that.

Little Rock radio station 103.7 The Buzz has also gotten in on the act, as R.J. Hawk will be the emcee along with a few other surprises they have planned. When you get The Buzz involved, fun is not an option, it is the expectation.

Aside from all the great entertainment, there will be numerous items up for bid that include a “Cyclone experience,” where you get to spend a day with the football team leading up to a game and then enjoy the action from the Cyclone Stadium sideline. Head Lady Cyclones basketball coach Steve Wiedower and Lady Cyclones head softball coach Harley Sisson will both have fishing trips up for bid, and yours truly will have a “choice” hunting or fishing trip up for bid as well.

Coach Wiedower’s trip will almost certainly include a day at beautiful Greer’s Ferry Lake, and rumor is he knows more than just a couple of “honey holes.”

Coach Sisson, on the other hand, is a catfish guru and if catching big cats sounds fun, a day with him will most certainly fit the bill.

Admission for this one-of-a-kind event is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with a silent auction starting at 6:30 p.m. and doors opening at 7. The show will begin at 7:30. This is definitely one event you will not want to miss.

Regardless of your reason for coming, you will get a good laugh, possibly a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but most of all you’ll be helping us provide for the athletes of the Russellville School District, who always appreciate your support.